Glennon Doyle’s Journey: Insights on Resilience and Societal Change
Podcast Origins and Its Evolution
The podcast “We Can Do Hard Things,” hosted by Glennon Doyle, presents a blend of vulnerability and wisdom as she shares the microphone with her wife Abby Wambach, an Olympic champion, and her sister Amanda Doyle. The inspiration for the podcast’s title stems from a classroom sign that resonated with Doyle during her early teaching career as she grappled with personal challenges, including her struggle with sobriety.
Personal Challenges and Their Impact
In light of various hardships, including Doyle’s anorexia diagnosis, Amanda’s battle with breast cancer, and the sudden loss of Abby’s brother, the trio began exchanging meaningful quotes as a source of comfort. This practice evolved into a comprehensive digital collection that would later inform their book titled “We Can Do Hard Things: Answers to Life’s 20 Questions” published by Penguin Random House. The book provides thoughtful responses to pressing life queries, guiding readers through topics like grief and self-identity.
A Manual for Life
Doyle likens their book to a travel guide, asserting, “When you travel through love, heartbreak, joy, parenting, friendship, uncertainty, aging, grief, new beginnings — life — you need a guidebook too.” It compiles collective insights from 118 influential figures, many of whom have been guests on her podcast.
Glennon Doyle: An Advocate for Transparency
In a recent interview, Doyle elaborated on her relationship with social media and its impact on mental health. Acknowledging that it often exacerbated her feelings of anger and detachment, she compared her experience of quitting social media to her journey of sobriety. “I felt less human and more angry,” she confessed, noting her newfound bravery in sharing her art without the pressure of external validation.
Facing Stigma
Doyle addresses the stigma surrounding mental health, particularly regarding her eating disorder. By being open about her struggles, she reinforces the notion that transparency is crucial. She shared how feedback she received comforted her during challenging moments, highlighting the importance of not hiding one’s truth.
Pursuing Justice and Unity
Expounding on her views about differing political beliefs, Doyle references civil rights advocate James Baldwin, emphasizing the importance of shared humanity. She remains steadfast in her commitment to advocate for human rights, declaring her willingness to collaborate with those who share fundamental values, regardless of differing opinions on other issues.
The Role of Parenting in Today’s Society
Conveying a nuanced view on parenting in a challenging world, Doyle expresses ambivalence but ultimately emphasizes the importance of teaching children about justice and compassion. She advocates that mothering is not limited to biological relationships, and encourages individuals to embrace nurturing roles in their communities.
Finding Purpose in Adversity
In the final chapter of her book, titled “What is the point?”, Doyle shares a poignant story about persistence amidst adversity. She recounts the story of a Vietnam protester who stood vigil outside the White House with a candle. This act symbolizes the importance of maintaining one’s values even when faced with overwhelming challenges, emphasizing that personal resilience matters more than the apparent impact of one’s actions on the broader society.